Police and Friends Honor Paul Hale at Golf Fundraiser

Saturday they gathered on the green to remember Detective Paul Hale, who was killed in the line of duty a year ago today.

The Raleigh "Police and Friends" tournament is named in honor of Paul Hale this year. On this anniversary of Hale's death, his family, friends and fellow officers are celebrating his life.

"This has been a very dark year for us, but we're here to remember Paul," Police Chief Mitch Brown said. "It's a good day to remember Paul."

Brown offered his words of support to more than 100 friends and fellow officers at the Riverwood Golf Club. One year ago today, Hale was shot to death while trying to arrest a suspected murderer. Detective Russ Hepps was with Hale the night he died.

"I think most of us didn't want to sit home and watch the clock, closer and closer to 5:00 and relive what happened last year at that time," Hepps said.

Hale was an avid golfer, and used to play in this tournament. His family chose to pass this grim anniversary with his fellow officers, doing something Hale loved.

"The police officers have been tremendously supportive of the whole Hale family, particularly my sister-in-law and my nieces, my parents and the whole family," Hale's sister Betsy Fila said. "They've become extended family to us."

It has been a tough year for the Hale family, and the entire police department. Officers say holding this tournament is part of the healing process.

"We've had to go through a healing process, not only the Raleigh police, the city of Raleigh and also the Hale family," Brown said.

The trial of Kawame Mays, the man accused of murdering Hale ended in May with a hung jury. Mays will be re-tried in August. Jury selection begins one month from today. His family and friends are hoping for a conviction at the second trial.